Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Museo de Catanduanes
Old Capitol Building, Santa Elena St • Mon-Fri 8am-4pm • P50
he Museo de Catanduanes , within the same building as the tourist o ce, is worth a
look. Artefacts include fishing implements and trumpet shells used to send out signals
to local communities. Objects from the Spanish colonial era include the intricately
decorated walking cane of a Spanish congressman, which he allegedly used to
accessorize his sharkskin coat and felt hat.
Around Virac
You will find some good, surfable beaches west of Virac in the villages of Magnesia ,
Buenavista and Palawig , although none is as pretty or as popular as Puraran (see
below). Inland from Palawig there are enormous limestone caves near the village of
Lictin . To get there you'll have to find a guide in Lictin (there are no established rates,
but P500 is a reasonable amount to pay); contact the tourist o ce in Virac before
setting out, or ask at the barangay hall or in any of the village stores. The best known
is Luyang Cave , whose waters are said to have healing properties. Another good short
trip from Virac is to the Maribina Falls , between the barangays of Marinawa and
Binanwahan - thus the name - fifteen minutes inland by jeepney. The waterfall
plunges more than 10m into a crystal-clear pool that's good for swimming.
Puraran Beach
30km from Virac • Surfboard rental P200/hr, lessons P150/hr • One morning jeepney from Virac passes Puraran (1hr; P50) on its way to
Gigmoto at around 10.30-11am; there are also jeepneys from Virac to Baras (hourly; 40min; P40) from where it's a P150 tricycle trip
(20min) to the beach; when you're ready to leave the resort owners can arrange a tricycle to Baras, or all the way to Virac for P700 if you've
missed the last jeepney
The break at beautiful Puraran Beach is referred to as Majestic by surfers. Majestic is
fickle but it's generally thought that the best bet is to come here between July and
October , when low-pressure areas lurking out in the Pacific help kick up a swell. Of
course, these areas can turn into tropical storms and typhoons that batter the coast,
making surfing impossible for all but experts and the foolhardy.
Luckily, you don't have to be a surfer to enjoy a few days on a beach as lovely as this.
Extensive coral gardens just offshore make for wonderful snorkelling, and swimming is
safe inside the line of the reef and away from the rocks - ask for advice at your resort
before heading out, though, as it is not unknown for swimmers to get into trouble.
Puraran is still mercifully undeveloped, with just three basic resorts.
4
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
CATANDUANES
By plane Virac's airport is 4km west of the town. A tricycle
into town will cost around P50, or less if you walk away
from the airport waiting area. Cebu Pacific has flights from
Manila (4 weekly; 1hr 10min).
By ferry There are ferries from Tabaco to Virac (1 daily; 4hr;
P240) and San Andres (2 daily; 3hr; P200).
By bangka From Guijalo port in the Caramoan Peninsula
you can hire a private bangka to Codon port on the western
coast of Catanduanes island (45min; P1500), from where
you can catch a tricycle to Virac (1hr; P500).
GETTING AROUND
By rental car Hiring a car with a driver is a good if expensive
way to see the island; try the drivers at the airport, visit the
provincial tourist o ce in Virac or simply ask your accommo-
dation to arrange it. For about P2000-3000, for instance,
you can get a return trip to Puraran Beach including waiting
time; for a full day exploring expect to pay P4000-5000.
By motorbike A good way to explore the island is by
motorbike; the provincial tourist o ce in Virac can help
arrange rental (P500/day).
By bus, van and jeepney Buses, vans and jeepneys to
destinations on the west side of the island leave from the
barangay of Gogon in Virac. From Gogon buses and vans to
Pandan (buses every 2hr; 4hr; vans hourly 1-5pm; 3hr;
P150) pass through Caramoran (bus 3hr 30min; vans 2hr
30min; P150); there are also jeepneys to San Andres, with the
first departure at 6am, and sporadic departures thereafter
 
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